Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
The benefits of PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is used in aesthetic medicine to rejuvenate the skin. PRP has approximately 4 to 7 times the normal concentration of platelets in whole blood, and at this level has been clinically proven to rejuvenate the skin. Whole blood contains approximately 94% red blood cells, 6% platelets, and less than 1% white blood cells. Platelet-rich plasma contains 94% platelets, 5% red blood cells, and 1% white blood cells. It is the high concentration of platelets in PRP that increases the amount of growth factors delivered when placed or injected into a certain area.
How does the Platelet-Rich Plasma treatment work?
Depending on how many areas you want to get treated, an amount of blood will be taken from you. This is usually between 10 to 30 ml. This is then to be transferred to a test tube that contains a special gel that allows your red blood cells to pass through but not your PRP. This means that your blood will be spun for approximately 10 minutes, at extreme high speed. Once your cells have separated, a golden coloured liquid is drawn back up into a syringe. This plasma contains rich quantities of platelets, which are the active ingredient for tissue regeneration. This will be injected into the skin in the area where skin rejuvenation is needed, commonly the fine lines and skin under eyes, around lips, neck, décolletage or virtually anywhere else requested. PRP can sting a little, because your plasma has a different pH to your dermal tissue. This actually helps activate your platelets to release growth factors. Stinging is transient and settles quite quickly. Redness and heat are also common and this is because of the pH difference. This also will go away quickly after the treatment.
What to expect?
Most people will experience some mild to moderate swelling in the area of treatment, redness or heat, which are all common side effects and are part of the activation of your platelets. Bruising can occur and may take a couple of days to appear. Most patients will require three treatments at four to six week intervals. The first thing people notice is an improvement in skin turgor and elasticity. Collagen production can take up to three months to occur and the results can differ depending on the individual. Because the injected product is 100% your own, factors such as smoking, stress and illness can effect results. A series of three treatments can yield results for up to two years.